Home » Blog » Breastfeeding » Can you take frozen breastmilk through TSA?

Can you take frozen breastmilk through TSA?

Navigating TSA Regulations for Frozen Breast Milk
Traveling with frozen breast milk can be a daunting task for new parents, especially when it comes to navigating airport security. Fortunately, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has established clear guidelines that allow parents to carry breast milk, including frozen varieties, through security checkpoints.
Exemptions from Liquid Restrictions
One of the most significant advantages for parents traveling with breast milk is that it is exempt from the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule. This means that you can bring quantities greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) of breast milk in your carry-on baggage without the need to fit it into a quart-sized bag. However, it is essential to remove these items from your carry-on for separate screening during the security process.
Frozen Breast Milk and Ice Packs
When it comes to frozen breast milk, the TSA allows not only the milk itself but also ice packs, freezer packs, and other cooling accessories necessary for transporting the milk. This is particularly helpful for parents who want to ensure that their milk remains frozen during travel. Interestingly, if the breast milk is frozen solid, it is often treated as a solid rather than a liquid, which can simplify the screening process. In many cases, a visual inspection is sufficient, and additional testing may not be required.
Screening Procedures
While the TSA has streamlined the process for carrying breast milk, travelers should be prepared for potential additional screening. This could include a pat-down or further inspection of other carry-on items. However, if the breast milk is frozen, the TSA agents typically do not need to conduct liquid tests, as the frozen state makes it easier to pass through security without complications.
Practical Tips for Traveling with Frozen Breast Milk
1. Pack Smart: Use a cooler or insulated bag to keep the breast milk frozen. This not only helps maintain the milk’s temperature but also makes it easier to transport through the airport.

2. Inform Security Personnel: When you reach the security checkpoint, inform the TSA agents that you are traveling with frozen breast milk. This can help facilitate a smoother screening process.
3. Be Prepared for Questions: While the rules are clear, TSA agents may still ask questions about your items. Being ready to explain that you are carrying frozen breast milk can help ease any concerns.
4. Check Airline Policies: Different airlines may have specific policies regarding traveling with breast milk, so it’s wise to check with your airline ahead of time to ensure compliance with their regulations.
In conclusion, traveling with frozen breast milk through TSA is not only permissible but also manageable with the right preparation. By understanding the rules and being proactive at the security checkpoint, parents can ensure a smoother travel experience while keeping their little ones nourished.

Can babies drink cold breast milk?

You can feed expressed milk straight from the fridge if your baby is happy to drink it cold. Or you can warm the milk to body temperature by putting the bottle in a jug of warm water or holding it under running warm water. Do not use a microwave to heat up or defrost breast milk.

How much baby milk can you take through airport security?

Here’s all you need to know. First off it’s important to know that the 100ml limit for liquids doesn’t apply to formula, or the water you need for making it, so technically you can take as much as you’d need to last the flight.

How do you keep milk cold through TSA?

Ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs and other accessories required to cool formula, breast milk and juice – regardless of the presence of breast milk – are allowed in carry-on.

What is the 5 5 5 rule for breast milk?

Something I recommend to moms is the 5-5-5 rule. Try and use milk within five hours at room temperature, five days in the fridge, and by five months in the freezer.

How to freeze breast milk while traveling?

Tips for Transporting Breast Milk on a Flight

  • When freezing your milk, lie it down flat in the freezer.
  • Purchase a cooler that has a leakproof zipper and closed-cell rubber foam lining to ensure milk will stay cold.
  • Pack the cooler with one reusable ice block on the bottom and one on the top.

What are the rules for frozen breast milk?

Freshly expressed or pumped milk can be stored: At room temperature (77°F or colder) for up to 4 hours. In the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In the freezer for about 6 months is best; up to 12 months is acceptable.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for breast milk?

The ‘Rule of Three’ guideline suggests allowing the baby to nurse for at least three minutes on each breast to ensure they receive a balance of foremilk (initial, thirst-quenching milk) and hindmilk (higher-fat, calorie-rich milk).

Can you bring frozen breast milk through TSA?

Similar to liquids, frozen breastmilk and ice packs over 3.4oz are allowed to be carried on flights. The big difference– frozen items do NOT require any TSA testing and do not need to be removed from your luggage when going through security. Frozen items can go through the conveyer belt scanner like any normal item.

Can you bring frozen bottle through TSA?

Frozen liquid items are allowed through the checkpoint as long as they are frozen solid when presented for screening. If frozen liquid items are partially melted, slushy, or have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they must meet 3-1-1 liquids requirements.

Is it safe to freeze breast milk in Ziploc bags?

Use freezer-safe containers.
Breast milk storage bags can be used for freezer storage but won’t keep milk protected for as long as sealed containers.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

Leave a Comment